U.S. patent number 6,344,806 [Application Number 09/784,519] was granted by the patent office on 2002-02-05 for parking status control system and method.
Invention is credited to Yoram Katz.
United States Patent |
6,344,806 |
Katz |
February 5, 2002 |
Parking status control system and method
Abstract
A parking status control system and method allow a parking
space, or plurality of parking spaces, to be automatically
monitored to detect unauthorized occupancy. The system and method
may be applied to metered parking spaces or to other situations
where controlled access to a parking space or area is desired. The
presence or lack of a vehicle in a monitored parking space is
determined using a vehicle presence detector, which communicates a
signal indicative of such presence to a central system. A user or
vehicle based authorization module is configured to transmit an
authorization input to facilitate automated satisfaction of a space
authorization device, e.g., payment of a parking meter. If there is
occupancy, but no proper authorization input, the central system
declares a violation and communicates the violation to another
system or individual charged with taking corrective action.
Inventors: |
Katz; Yoram (Needham, MA) |
Family
ID: |
25132680 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/784,519 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/932.2;
235/384; 340/904; 340/933; 340/988; 705/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07B
15/02 (20130101); G08G 1/14 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G07B
15/02 (20060101); G08G 1/14 (20060101); B60Q
001/48 () |
Field of
Search: |
;340/932.2,933,928,938,870.2,870.07,988,991,992,994,904 ;705/13
;235/384 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Lefkowitz; Edward
Assistant Examiner: Goins; Davetta W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McDermott, Will & Emery
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An automated parking space monitoring system configured to
monitor a plurality of parking spaces, said monitoring system
comprising:
A. a database comprising a unique space identification associated
with each of said parking spaces;
B. a plurality of vehicle presence detectors, wherein each vehicle
presence detector is configured to provide an indication of the
presence of a vehicle in an associated one of said parking
spaces;
C. one or more portable remote transceivers configured to generate
an authorization signal as a function of a set of valid inputs;
D. a plurality of transponders, wherein each transponder is
associated with one or more of said parking spaces and is
configured to receive:
(1) vehicle presence indications from a corresponding set of
vehicle presence detectors; and
(2) authorization signals from said portable transceivers; and
E. a controller coupled to said database and said transponders,
said controller configured to selectively authorize use of an
occupied space, from said plurality of parking spaces, as function
of:
(1) a space identification corresponding to said occupied
space;
(2) a vehicle presence indication associated with said occupied
space; and
(3) an authorization signal associated with said occupied
space.
2. A system as in claim 1, wherein said vehicle presence detector
is configured to generate a signal indicative of said parking space
being vacant and to cease generation of said signal in response to
said presence of said vehicle in said parking space, wherein said
space occupied indication is the absence of said signal.
3. A system as in claim 1, wherein said authorization signal
includes a transceiver ID.
4. A system as in claim 1, wherein said set of valid inputs
includes account information used to pay parking fees.
5. A system as in claim 4, wherein said portable transceiver
includes:
a) a debit/credit card reader, wherein said portable transceiver is
configured to transmit corresponding credit/debit card information
to said controller to facilitate payment of parking fees using said
debit/credit card reader.
6. A system as in claim 1, wherein and said set of valid inputs
includes a PIN, and said portable transceiver includes:
a) a user input mechanism, configured to facilitate entry of said
PIN.
7. A system as in claim 1, wherein said authorization signal
includes an indication that a user of said transceiver is
affiliated with a group of authorized users, wherein said group of
authorized users is chosen from a group comprising:
a) police, fire, or medical personnel;
b) government personnel;
c) monthly pass holders;
d) VIPs; and
e) club members.
8. A system as in claim 1, further comprising:
F. a meter device, located proximate to said parking space and
including a meter transceiver configured to communicate with a
corresponding one or more of said transponders, wherein said meter
device is configured to accept one or more of set of valid
inputs.
9. A system as in claim 8, wherein said meter device is configured
to accept currency and said set of valid inputs includes currency
inputs.
10. An automated parking space monitoring system configured to
monitor a plurality of parking spaces, said monitoring system
comprising:
A. a database comprising a unique space identification associated
with each of said parking spaces;
B. a plurality of vehicle presence detectors, wherein each vehicle
presence detector is configured to provide an indication of the
presence of a vehicle in an associated one of said parking spaces,
wherein said vehicle presence detector is an in-ground detector,
located proximate to or within said parking space;
C. one or more portable transceivers configured to generate an
authorization signal as a function of a set of valid inputs;
D. a plurality of transponders, wherein each transponder is
associated with one or more of said parking spaces and is
configured to receive:
(1) vehicle presence indications from a corresponding set of
vehicle presence detectors; and
(2) authorization signals from said portable transceivers; and
E. a controller coupled to said database and said transponders,
said controller configured to selectively authorize use of an
occupied space, from said plurality of parking spaces, as function
of:
(1) a space identification corresponding to said occupied
space;
(2) a vehicle presence indication associated with said occupied
space; and
(3) an authorization signal associated with said occupied
space.
11. A system as in claim 10, wherein said vehicle presence detector
senses the presence of a vehicle in said parking space using a
sensing technique from a group of techniques comprising:
a) magnetic sensing;
b) infrared sensing;
c) motion detection sensing;
d) pressure sensing;
e) audio sensing; and
f) video sensing.
12. A system as in claim 1, wherein said controller is further
configured to generate a violation signal as a function of said
vehicle presence indication and the absence of said authorization
signal.
13. An automated parking space monitoring system configured to
monitor a plurality of parking spaces, said monitoring system
comprising:
A. a database comprising a unique space identification associated
with each of said parking spaces;
B. a plurality of vehicle presence detectors, wherein each vehicle
presence detector is configured to provide an indication of the
presence of a vehicle in an associated one of said parking
spaces;
C. one or more portable transceivers configured to generate an
authorization signal as a function of a set of valid inputs;
D. a plurality of transponders, wherein each transponder is
associated with one or more of said parking spaces and is
configured to receive:
(1) vehicle presence indications from a corresponding set of
vehicle presence detectors; and
(2) authorization signals from said portable transceivers; and
E. a controller coupled to said database and said transponders,
said controller configured to selectively authorize use of an
occupied space, from said plurality of parking spaces, as function
of:
(1) a space identification corresponding to said occupied
space;
(2) a vehicle presence indication associated with said occupied
space;
(3) an authorization signal associated with said occupied space,
wherein said controller is further configured to generate a
violation signal as a function of said vehicle presence indication
and the absence of said authorization signal; and
F. a monitor device having an output means and configured to
receive said violation signal and to present an indicia of a
violation status and an identification of said parking space via
said output means.
14. A system as in claim 13, wherein said monitor device is further
configured to probe a vehicle presence detector, from said
plurality of vehicle presence detectors, and determine if said
probed vehicle presence detector is operating properly.
15. A system as in claim 1, wherein said portable transceiver is
configured to store parking credits, wherein said authorization
signal includes indicia of parking credits and said controller is
configured to apply said parking credits to pay fees associated
with said occupied parking space.
16. A system as in claim 1, wherein said controller is further
configured to cease authorization to use said occupied space in
response to absence of said vehicle presence indication.
17. A system as in claim 1, wherein said parking space is a space
chosen from a group comprising:
a) publicly metered spaces;
b) assigned parking garage spaces; and
c) unassigned parking garage spaces.
18. A method of monitoring a plurality of parking spaces, said
method comprising:
A. detecting with a vehicle presence detector a vehicle in an
occupied space, from said plurality of parking spaces, and
providing a vehicle presence indication corresponding to said
occupied space to a transponder;
B. generating with a portable transceiver an authorization signal
as a function of a set of valid inputs and providing said
authorization signal to said transponder; and
C. communicating said vehicle presence indication and said
authorization signal from said transponder to a controller that is
coupled to a database comprising a unique space identification
associated with each of said parking spaces; and
D. authorizing, by said controller, use of said occupied parking
space as a function of a space identification corresponding to said
occupied space, said vehicle presence indication and said
authorization signal.
19. A method as in claim 18, wherein said vehicle presence detector
is configured to generate a signal indicative of said parking space
being vacant and wherein providing said vehicle presence indication
includes ceasing generation of said signal.
20. A method as in claim 18, wherein part B includes providing a
transceiver ID and a PIN as valid inputs.
21. A method as in claim 18, wherein said portable transceiver
includes a debit/credit card reader and part B includes entering
credit or debit card information via said portable transceiver.
22. A method as in claim 18, wherein part B includes identifying a
user of said portable transceiver as a member of a group of
authorized users, chosen from a group comprising:
a) police, fire, or medical personnel;
b) government personnel;
c) monthly pass holders;
d) VIPs; and
e) club members.
23. A method as in claim 18, further comprising:
E. in lieu of part B, generating, with a meter device located
proximate to said parking space, an authorization signal as a
function of a set of valid inputs and providing said authorization
signal to said transponder.
24. A method as in claim 23, wherein said valid inputs include at
least one of parking credit inputs, currency inputs, credit card
inputs, or debit card inputs.
25. A method as in claim 18 wherein part A includes detecting the
presence of said vehicle with an in-ground detector located
proximate to or within said parking space.
26. A method as in claim 18 wherein part A includes detecting the
presence of said vehicle using a sensing technique chosen from a
group of techniques comprising:
a) magnetic sensing;
b) infrared sensing;
c) motion detection sensing;
d) pressure sensing;
e) audio sensing; and
f) video sensing.
27. A method as in claim 18, further comprising:
E. generating by said controller a violation signal as a function
of the presence of said vehicle presence indication and the absence
of said authorization signal.
28. A method as in claim 18, further comprising:
E. probing, with a monitoring device, said vehicle presence
detector to determine if said vehicle presence detector is
operating properly.
29. A method as in claim 18, wherein said authorization signal
includes indicia of parking credits and said controller applies
said parking credit to pay parking fees associated with said
parking space.
30. A method as in claim 18, wherein said parking space is a space
chosen from a group comprising:
a) publicly metered spaces;
b) assigned parking garage spaces; and
c) unassigned parking garage spaces.
31. A portable transceiver for use with a parking space monitoring
system configured to selectively authorize use of a parking space,
from a database of uniquely identified parking spaces, said
portable transceiver comprising:
A. a processor coupled to a storage device and a power source;
B. a credit/debit card reader configured to facilitate payment of
parking fees or a purchase of parking credits using a credit or
debit card;
C. a user input device, configured to facilitate entry of a set of
valid inputs, said valid inputs including at least one of an
identification of a user, an identification of said transceiver, or
parking credit, credit, or debit account information;
D. a signal generator configured to generate an authorization
signal as a function of said set of valid inputs, wherein said
authorization signal and a vehicle presence indication from a space
oriented vehicle detector are required by said parking space
monitoring system to authorize use of said parking space.
E. a user manipulatable activation mechanism, configured to
commence transmission of said authorization signal; and
F. a transmitter configured to transmit said authorization signal
in response to manipulation of said activation mechanism.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to systems and methods used
in conjunction with vehicle parking spaces. More specifically, the
present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring and
controlling usage of such vehicle parking spaces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
To an ever increasing degree there seems to be contention for space
on today's roadways. To accommodate the steady growth in the
population of vehicles, both personal and business vehicles,
project after project is undertaken to expand and revamp the
roadways, such as the multi-billion dollar "Big Dig" project in
Massachusetts. Along with the vast number of vehicles on the roads,
comes contention for parking spaces for those vehicles, primarily
in urban and, increasingly, in suburban areas.
As with any resource that is in relatively short supply and high in
demand, parking spaces frequently come at a cost. Typically, in an
urban or suburban area, a city or town will provide metered public
parking spaces. The parking meters accept coins in return for time
on the meter, which is allowed time in the parking space associated
with the meter. The typical parking meter allows a relatively short
maximum amount of time for parking, e.g., a two hour limit, before
the time on the meter expires. When the meter expires, the owner of
a parked vehicle in the corresponding parking space is subject to a
citation or parking ticket. As a result, if a vehicle owner wishes
to park for an amount of time in excess of the meters limit, the
vehicle owner must return to the meter and insert more coins before
it expires. This tends, of course, to be very frustrating for the
vehicle owner.
To ensure adherence to the requirement to pay for metered parking
spaces or, in the alternative, to issue citations to violators, the
city or town employs individuals (sometimes referred to as "meter
maids") to go around the city or town and determine, on a
meter-by-meter basis, whether a violation at a meter has occurred
and, if so, to issue a citation. Of course, the individuals come at
some expense to the city or town and for the large majority of the
meters checked there is, in fact, no violation. Therefore, this
process of monitoring adherence to the meter requirements is
extremely inefficient and costly for cities and towns.
Private parking spaces are also available in such areas where
parking spots are in short supply. These private spaces typically
also come at some expense to the vehicle owner, but offer the
convenience of not having to replenish the meter with coins
throughout the day. For other reasons, private parking spaces may
also be desirable, such as, for example, for greater security or
convenience. That is, an office building, resort, or club may offer
private parking spaces to its tenants, guests, or members. These
private parking spaces often come in the form of a parking garage
or lot that charges the vehicle owner based on time spent in the
garage or lot. Many of these private garages or lots issue a fixed
number of monthly parking passes for a monthly cost of $200 to
$300, for example, per parking space or pass. In some cases,
parking spaces are assigned to specific vehicles. With assigned
spaces, improperly parked vehicles are frequently towed, but
usually not until the proper occupant has determined that another
vehicle is improperly occupying his space. In other arrangements,
the public can use private parking garages and pay by the hour, for
example. In such private parking arrangements, the owner of the
private parking garage or lot often employs attendants to determine
the time spent in the garage and to collect the corresponding
payment from the vehicle owner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a parking status control system and method
that automatically monitors one or more parking spaces for
unauthorized occupancy. Such parking spaces may be publicly metered
parking spaces or privately owned and controlled parking spaces.
When a space is occupied, the owner or user of a vehicle may
accomplish automated payment of parking fees, so as to avoid fines
associated with citations due to an expired parking meter, for
example. Preferably, whether paying for parking time in a garage or
on a meter, standard methods of payment are accommodated. However,
regardless of the methods of payment accommodated by various
implementations, occupancy of the parking space and sufficiency of
payment are monitored to determine if a parking space is being
illegally or improperly used.
Generally, a monitored space can be considered to have two states:
1) occupied, and 2) vacant. The presence or lack of a vehicle in a
parking space is monitored by a vehicle presence detector. A
vehicle presence detector may sense a vehicle in any of a variety
of manners. For example, the vehicle presence detector may use
magnetic, infrared, motion detection, pressure, or acoustic sensing
to determine whether a vehicle has parked in a monitored parking
space. Once a vehicle is detected, the vehicle presence detector
generates a space-state signal indicating that a vehicle is in the
parking space. In other embodiments, a space-state signal could
indicate that the parking space is vacant. In other embodiments,
different space-state signals could be generated when the parking
space is vacant and when it is occupied.
The space-state signal is communicated to a central computer system
by wired or wireless means, or some combination thereof. A local
transponder proximate to the monitored space may be used to
establish wireless communication with the vehicle presence
detector, wherein the local transponder may then receive and
forward the space-state signal, or a signal indicative thereof, to
the central computer system. When the space-state signal indicates
to the central computer system that a monitored parking space is
occupied by a vehicle, the central computer system then awaits, for
a certain period of time, receipt of an authorization signal from a
corresponding device associated with the monitored space and
configured to accept or facilitate authorization to use the parking
space. If the authorization signal is not received in due time, the
central computer system declares a parking space violation, i.e.,
an illegally parked vehicle.
A space authorization device, such as a parking meter, accepts an
input to authorize use of the parking space, i.e., via generation
of an authorization signal. In the case of a parking meter, the
input may be the insertion of coins to pay meter fees. In such a
case, the parking meter is equipped with a meter transceiver that
communicates an authorization signal to the central computer system
in response to such inputs. If the vehicle is in the parking space
beyond the time paid for, the transceiver ceases to send the
authorization signal and, if the vehicle is still in the parking
space, the central computer system declares a violation.
In accordance with the present invention, a user or vehicle based
portable transceiver may also be used to facilitate automated
payment of meter fees, or the purchase of meter credits. In such
case, the portable transceiver may be configured to provide an
authorization signal to central computer system via the
transponder. This authorization signal is provided in lieu of an
authorization signal being provided by the meter transceiver in
response to the insertion of coins into the meter. The portable
transceiver may be configured to accept debit or credit card
payment of meter fees or the purchase of meter credits used to pay
the fees. When credits are purchased, they may be "loaded on" the
portable transceiver or stored in an account at, or accessed by,
the central computer system. In a similar manner, the portable
transceiver may be used to purchase time in a parking garage or
authorize use of a private parking space. If the credits run out or
the debit or credit card accounts cease to provide payment of meter
fees, the authorization signal is terminated and, assuming the
vehicle still occupies the parking space, a violation is declared
by the central computer system. Additionally, the portable
transceiver may be configured to provide an authorization signal
that is not indicative of a monetary input, but is rather
indicative of a status or designation where such monetary input is
not required. For example, police, fire, medical, government
personnel or monthly garage pass holders may have such status or
designation.
When a violation is declared, the central computer system may
generate a violation is signal and a meter monitor may be
dispatched to the parking space to issue a parking ticket or take
other appropriate action. The meter monitor may be equipped with a
meter monitor device that allows each of the vehicle presence
detector and transponder to be probed to ensure they are operating
properly. Additionally, the meter monitor device may also be
configured to receive the violation signal, and any relevant
related information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objects of this invention, the various
features thereof, as well as the invention itself, may be more
fully understood from the following description, when read together
with the accompanying drawings, described:
FIG. 1 is a system level diagram of a parking status control system
in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2A is a circuit diagram and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of
the portable transceiver of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the transponder of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view of the meter monitor device of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the in-ground detector of FIG.
1;
FIG. 6 is view of the meter transceiver of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B provide a flow chart of a method used with the
system of FIG. 1.
For the most part, and as will be apparent when referring to the
figures, when an item is used unchanged in more than one figure, it
is identified by the same alphanumeric reference indicator in all
figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention is a parking status control system and
method, which allows a parking space, or plurality of parking
spaces, to be automatically monitored for unauthorized occupancy.
The system and method may be applied to metered parking spaces or
to other situations where controlled access to a parking space or
area is desired. The presence or lack of a vehicle in a monitored
parking space is determined using a vehicle presence detector,
which communicates a signal indicative of such lack of vehicle
presence to a central system. A user or vehicle based authorization
module is configured to transmit an authorization signal to
facilitate automated satisfaction of fees for a parking space,
e.g., payment of a parking meter. If there is occupancy in a
parking space, but no proper authorization signal, the central
system declares a violation and communicates the violation to
another system or individual charged with taking corrective
action.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a parking status control system 100
in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2A through FIG. 6
are detailed figures of several of the modules shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B provide a detailed flow chart of a method that
may be implemented by the system of FIG. 1.
As is typical, a parking space 12 is defined by parking space lines
12A and 12B, between which a vehicle 11 is parked. Parking space 12
has two possible states, i.e., vacant or occupied and is metered by
a parking meter 65, as a space authorization device. In this
embodiment, each parking space includes an in-ground detector, as a
vehicle presence detector. Depending on the embodiment, the vehicle
presence detector may be configured to respond to the presence or
lack of a vehicle occupying the corresponding monitored parking
space. Though not visible in FIG. 1, an in-ground detector 50 is
positioned in parking space 12, and oriented similarly to detectors
50' and 50" in the adjacent parking spaces. In the preferred
embodiment, in-ground detector 50 is configured to transmit a
space-state signal when parking space 12 is vacant (i.e., a vacant
state), shown as step 702 in flow chart 700 of FIG. 7A. A
determination is continually made by a central computer system 30
based on the receipt or absence of a signal from in-ground detector
50 of whether or not space 12 is occupied, in step 704. In-ground
detector 50 periodically sends the space-state signal, in step 706,
while parking space 12 is vacant. In the preferred form, in-ground
detector 50 communicates with central computer system 30 via a
local transponder 20, which, in step 708, also monitors the
technical integrity of in-ground detector 50.
Once in-ground unit 50 senses the presence of a vehicle in parking
space 12, in this case vehicle 11, in-ground unit 50 ceases
transmission of the space-state signal, in steps 710, 712 and 714.
There are a variety of manners in which in-ground detector 50 may
sense the is presence of vehicle 11 occupying parking space 12, but
in the preferred embodiment, inground detector 50 establishes a
magnetic field within which a vehicle can be detected.
Depending on the embodiment, transponder 20 may be configured to
selectively communicate with one or more in-ground detectors 50. In
FIG. 1 transponder 20 is mounted on a pole 21, but transponder 20
may alternatively be mounted on other surfaces or items, such as a
wall, a sign, or a cable, as examples. For example, to service a
plurality of in-ground detectors, transponder 20 can be configured
to implement a time division multiplexing scheme for servicing each
of the several in-ground detectors in-turn or transponder 20 can be
configured to passively "listen" to several designated in-ground
detectors. The communication path between in-ground unit 50 and
transponder 20 is a wireless path. In other embodiments, the
communication path between in-ground detector 50 and transponder 20
may be a wired network or direct line (e.g., copper, fiber optic,
or cable).
As mentioned, in the preferred embodiment, once a vehicle is
detected in parking space 12, in-ground detector 50 ceases
transmission of the space-state signal to transponder 20. However,
in another embodiment, in-ground detector 50 may be configured to
transmit a signal at each change of state, i.e., from vacant to
occupied and from occupied to vacant. In other embodiments,
in-ground detector 50 may be configured to transmit a
space-occupancy signal when parking space 12 is occupied and cease
to transmit the space-state signal when parking space 12 is vacant.
In yet other embodiments, in-ground detector 50 may transmit a
space-unoccupied signal when parking space 12 is vacant and
transmit a space-occupied signal when a vehicle is parked in space
12.
In yet another embodiment, in-ground detector 50 may be configured
to continuously transmit a space-state signal, such as a simple
pulse of energy, which is not received by transponder 20 when
vehicle 11 occupies parking space 12, due to the fact that a
vehicle in parking space 12 physically blocks the wireless
communication path between in-ground detector 50 and transponder
20. In this embodiment and in the preferred embodiment, the lack of
a space-state signal is interpreted as occupancy of parking space
12, as in step 714. Depending on the embodiment, the communication
path between in-ground unit 50 and pole transponder 20 may wired,
wireless, or some combination thereof.
Additionally, in other embodiments, a vehicle presence detector
(e.g., in-ground detector 50) may be mounted on, coupled to, or
integral with a curb, pole, or meter adjacent to a parking space.
Depending on the messaging and communication scheme between the
vehicle presence detector and the transponder, a line of sight path
between the two may or may not need to be maintained. In other
embodiments, the vehicle presence detector and transponder may be
collocated with or integrated into a single module, and that module
may be located in-ground or mounted on, coupled to, or integral
with a pole, wall, meter, curb, or the like.
In yet other embodiments, the vehicle presence detector (e.g.,
in-ground detector 50) may communicate directly with central
computer system 30 and transponder 20 may be omitted. This
communication may be by wired or wireless means, or some
combination thereof.
Returning to the embodiment of FIG. 1, while parking space 12 is
vacant, transponder 20 receives the space-state signal from
in-ground detector 50, in steps 702 and 706. When transponder 20
ceases to receive the state-space signal from in-ground detector
50, central computer system 30 interprets this lack of a signal as
the space being occupied, in step 714. Central computer system 30
serves as a central monitor and processor of various system
resources. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that central
computer system 30 is shown as having a single computer for
illustrative purposes, but that central computer system 30 may be
comprised of several computers, processors, and/or servers and that
there may be several of such devices collocated, remote to each
other, or some combination thereof.
Each parking space and meter is uniquely identified, so that the
central computer system 30 can make specific determinations of
which meters are being violated. Once central computer system 30
stops receiving a space-state signal from in-ground unit 50 for
parking space 12, central computer system 30 looks for an
authorization signal from a corresponding portable transceiver 10,
in step 716, or meter transceiver 60, in step 766, included with
meter 65. In either case, the authorization signal is communicated
to pole mounted transponder 20 via a wireless communication path
and then forwarded to central computer system 30. Preferably, the
central computer system 30 starts a timer that establishes a grace
period (e.g., 5 minutes) to receive the authorization signal.
Satisfaction of meter 65 is determined by central computer system
30, which monitors meter transceiver 60 to determine if a valid
meter input has been received to authorize use of parking space 12.
The valid input causes the generation of an authorization signal
provided by transceiver 60 or by portable transceiver 10. As an
example, an authorization signal transmitted by meter transceiver
60 provides an indication to central computer 30 that meter 65 has
received coin payment of meter parking fees. In the present
invention, in addition to, or instead of, typical coin inputs,
central computer system 30 can receive an authorization signal
based on inputs indicative of monetary credits, financial account
information, or a user or vehicle based authorization not to charge
for parking. An authorization signal from portable transponder 10
provides an indication that the parking meter fees are to be paid
via an account (e.g., credit or debit) or that the user or vehicle
is not to be charged meter fees.
Portable transceiver 10 may be carried by a user (e.g., the driver
of a vehicle) or integral with or mounted to a vehicle, such as
transceiver 10 in vehicle 11 of FIG. 1. In some instances, the
portable transponder may be user-based and battery powered, such
that the user can use portable transponder 10 regardless of the
vehicle the user is operating. In other cases, the portable
transponder may be integrated into the vehicle, as is a radio, and
powered by a vehicle power source. Certain groups or individuals
may not be required to pay parking fees, such as police department
personnel, fire department personnel, ambulance operators,
government officials, pass holders in a parking garage, or members
of a club, as examples. A database of such individuals or vehicles
may be maintained by or linked to central computer system 30.
Therefore, a transceiver 10 for such groups or individuals can be
configured to generate and transmit an authorization signal that is
not indicative of a monetary input, but that does satisfy central
computer system 30.
A portable transponder 10 in accordance with the preferred
embodiment is shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. FIG. 2A shows a block
diagram 200 of the components comprising transceiver 10. A
processor 101, includes a central processing unit (CPU) 103 and
various types of memory. The memory includes program memory 105,
which provides long term storage of functional code, read only
memory (ROM) 102, and random access memory (RAM) 115. Portable
transceiver 10 is powered by a battery source 108, which may be any
of a number of available sources. To facilitate user interaction
with portable transceiver 10, a display (e.g., light emitting diode
(LED) display 109), keypad 110, stop button 107, start button 106,
and on/off power switch 111 are provided. In the preferred form,
portable transceiver 10 includes a credit/debit card slot 113 and
reader 112 that enables the payment of parking fees or purchasing
of parking credits using a typical credit or debit card 116.
FIG. 2B shows a perspective view 250 of portable transceiver 10,
illustrating the user interactive elements of FIG. 2A. To commence
electronic payment of parking fees using portable transceiver 10,
the user of vehicle 11 presses start button 106, in step 718 of
FIG. 7A and an identification of portable transceiver 10 (or a
transceiver ID) is transmitted to central computer system 30 via
transponder 20, in step 720. Central computer system 30 transmits
an acknowledgement message back to portable transceiver 10, in step
724, which includes a request for debit or credit card information,
and may provide parking rate information for meter 65. The parking
rate, which may vary for different time periods, is known to
central computer system 30 (e.g., stored in a database) or
communicated by a system linked to central computer system 30 or by
meter transceiver 60. To pay the parking fees, the user swipes a
debit or credit card through card slot 116 and the account
information is read and preferably encrypted by processor 101, in
step 726. The encrypted account information is transmitted by
transmitter 15 to central computer system 30 via transponder 20, in
step 728.
In step 730, a determination is made by central computer system 30
of whether the received, and decrypted, debit or credit card
information is valid by, for example, querying a third party debit
or credit issuer system. If the information can not be confirmed as
valid, central computer system 30 transmits an "invalid card"
message to receiver 14 of portable transceiver 10, via transponder
20, in step 732. The message is displayed in display 109 of
portable transceiver 10. If the account information is determined
to be valid, in step 734, the central computer system 30 sends a
personal identification number (PIN) request to portable
transceiver 10, which is displayed in display 109, in step 736.
Using keypad 110, the user enters a PIN, in step 738, which is
encrypted and transmitted to central computer system 30, in step
740.
In step 742, determination of the validity of the PIN is made by
central computer system 30. This is done by comparing the PIN with
a database of PINs associated with specific transceivers at central
computer system 30. Preferably, if the PIN is not determined to be
valid, a counter is started in step 744 and the user is given three
chances, in step 746, to enter the correct PIN. If unsuccessful,
the PIN is determined to no longer be valid, in step 748, and the
process returns to connector 210 of FIG. 7A. If the PIN is
determined to be valid, in step 742, central computer system 30
sends an "in use" message to receiver 14 of portable transceiver 10
and commences time measurement, in step 750. In response, in step
752, processor 101 causes a light 120 (e.g., an LED) to be lit or
to flash and portable transceiver 10 transmits a sequence of "in
use acknowledgement" signals (or authorization signals) to central
computer system 30 via transponder 20. Preferably, in response to
receipt of each "in use acknowledgment" signal, central computer
system 30 sends a signal to portable transceiver 10 indicating the
cumulative amount charged, which is shown in display 109, in step
754.
In another embodiment, rather than debiting or charging the payment
amount, the user may purchase, or have previously purchased,
parking credits. The parking credits may be stored in an account at
central computer system 30 or a system linked thereto and used when
a valid PIN and transceiver ID are received, as described above.
Optionally, credits could be "loaded on" portable transceiver 10,
and the credits may be transferred to central computer system 30
via transceiver 20 to pay parking fees. The parking status control
system may also be configured such that the user can buy parking
credits, using a debit or credit card, as discussed above. In such
embodiments, the system may be configured such that a user can
establish a cap limit on the parking fees to be charged to a credit
or debit card or credits to be used. For persons or vehicles that
are not to be charged parking fees, receipt of the transceiver ID
and corresponding PIN by central computer system 30 are sufficient
to authorize use of meter 65.
Where payment is required, central computer system 30 continues to
charge fees so long as the user has not terminated the session, or
if the meter goes into an "off" state where it no longer requires
payment of parking fees for use. At the portable transceiver 10,
the processor 101 continues to monitor stop button 107 and receiver
14 to determine whether the portable transceiver 10 should cease
sending the "in use acknowledgement" or authorization signal, in
step 756. If an interrupt signal is detected, in step 758,
processor 101 determines if the interrupt signal was generated
because vehicle 11 drove out of range, in step 762, or whether stop
button 107 was depressed, in step 758. Either case causes the
charges or consumption of credits associated with the user of
portable transceiver 10 to be terminated and processor 101 ceases
sending the "in use acknowledgement" authorization signal to
central computer system 30, in step 764. And, the final accumulated
charges are communicated to the debit or credit card issuer and the
municipality or private owner to the monitored parking space are
paid the accumulated parking fees. The process then returns to
connector 200 of FIG. 7A, where the parking status and control
system awaits the next vehicle.
Returning to step 766 of FIG. 7A, when a user inserts coins into
meter 65 (as an input), the meter transceiver 60 generates and
transmits an authorization (or "in use") signal to central computer
30 via transponder 20, in step 768. As long as central computer
system 30 is in receipt of the authorization signal from meter
transceiver 60, central computer system will consider the use by
vehicle 11 to be valid. Meter transceiver 65 may be configured to
continually or periodically send the authorization signal. In other
embodiments, the meter transceiver 60 can be configured to transmit
an authorization signal at the start of a parking session (i.e.,
upon receipt of a valid input) and then transmit a termination
signal when the parking session is over (i.e., when the meter has
expired).
However, if central computer system 30 has determined that parking
space 12 is occupied, but has not, within the grace period,
received an authorization signal from meter transceiver 60, central
computer system 30 designates meter 65 to be in an unauthorized use
or illegally occupied state, in step 772. Meter 65 can be
designated as being in an unauthorized use state by one of several
means. First, if the user inserted coins into meter 65, upon or
soon after expiration of the meter time paid for with the coins,
meter transceiver 60 ceases to transmit the authorization signal,
or transmits a termination signal, to central computer system 30,
as described above. Depending on the embodiment, the user may be
given the aforementioned grace period after expiration of the paid
for meter time to insert additional coins, but if additional
authorization is not obtained, the use is illegal. Similarly, if
the meter was satisfied using credits associated with the portable
transceiver 10, and those credits are consumed, central computer
system 30 will no longer consider itself to be in receipt of an
authorization signal. Accordingly, violation is designated for
meter 65. If central computer system 30 accesses a debit or credit
account associated with the user (or vehicle) of portable
transceiver 10, and the funds in that account funds are exhausted
or not available, central computer system 30 will no longer
consider itself to be in receipt of an authorization signal.
Accordingly, vehicle 11 would be designated as being illegally
parked.
Upon, or soon after, central computer system 30 designates meter 65
to be in an unauthorized use state, i.e., vehicle 11 is illegally
parked, central computer system 30 generates a meter violation
signal. The meter violation signal includes an identification
and/or location of meter 65. Central computer system 30 may
transmit the meter violation signal to transceiver 60 of meter 65
to place meter 65 in an alarm state, wherein a red light of meter
65 may flash in response to the violation signal. In the preferred
embodiment, in step 774, a meter monitor 41 is dispatched to meter
65. Meter monitor 41 may be equipped with a portable meter monitor
device 40 configured to probe in-ground detector 50 and transponder
20 to verify that they are operating properly, in steps 776 and
778. A visual inspection of meter 65 may be accomplished to ensure
there is no time left on the meter, in step 780. If everything is
working properly and there is no paid for time left on meter 65,
meter monitor 41 issues a ticket to vehicle 11, in step 782. Once
vehicle 11 vacates parking space 12, in step 784, in-ground
detector 50 detects the vacancy and reestablishes communication
with central computer system 30, via transponder 20, and returns to
connector 200 of FIG. 7A and awaits the next vehicle.
In other embodiments, the meter monitor device may include a
greater compliment of functionality. For example, the meter
violation signal could be forwarded from the central computer
system 30, or a corresponding signal may be generated and
transmitted, to meter monitor device 40 to automatically inform the
meter monitor 41 of the illegally parked vehicle. If meter monitor
device 40 is configured to receive the violation signal, processing
the meter violation signal would identify the meter and/or its
location on a display of the meter monitor device 40, e.g., meter
ABC, 12 Main Street. If the identity of the user or vehicle were
known to the central computer system 30, the meter monitor device
40 may also be configured to provide that or similar
information.
If there were several violations occurring simultaneously, central
computer system 30 may be configured to prioritize the violations
based on any number of criteria, such as geographic proximity or
time in unauthorized use state. If a meter monitor 41 has a
dedicated geographic region of responsibility, central computer
system 30 may provide the prioritized list, and an accompanying
route, to meter monitor device 40.
In yet other embodiments, central computer system 30 may be
operated on behalf of a local police department, or linked to a
local police department system for automatically issuing parking
citations and/or deploying tow trucks in response to a
determination by central computer system 30 of a parking meter
violation. In such a case, meter monitor 41 may not be required to
visit meter 65, or may only be required to visit meter 65 to ensure
proper operation of in-ground detector 50, transponder 20 and,
possibly, meter 65 and transceiver 60.
In some embodiments, diagnostics may be included with the parking
status control system. In such a case, some or all of the
diagnostics may be managed by central computer system 30, through
interaction with transponder 20, transceiver 60, in-ground detector
50, portable transceiver 10, or some combination thereof. Such
diagnostic interaction with these various systems components may be
direct or via transponder 20, depending on the implementation.
FIG. 3 shows a circuit diagram 300 for pole mounted transponder 20.
In the preferred form, transponder 20 communicates with each of
in-ground detector 50, meter transceiver 60, and portable
transceiver 10 and provides a means for communication with central
computer system 30. Transponder 20 also communicates with meter
monitor device 40. Transponder 20 includes standard components,
such as receiver 22, transmitter 23, microprocessor 26, ROM 27, and
modem 24. In the preferred form, transmitter 23 and receiver 22
provide an interface to portable transceiver 10, in-ground detector
50 and meter transceiver 60. Modem 24 provides an interface to
central computer system 30. The various communications between
these devices is as previously discussed.
FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view 400 of the meter monitor device
40, wherein the cutaway shows a simplified circuit diagram. Meter
monitor device 40 includes a transmitter 42, receiver 43 and
microprocessor 44, and is powered by battery 45. In the preferred
embodiment, transmitter 42 and receiver 43 facilitate two-way
communications with transponder 20 and in-ground detector 50 to
perform the probing operations previously discussed. Interfaces may
also be provided to transponder 20 to facilitate communication with
central computer system 30, for the various embodiments discussed
above.
FIG. 5 shows a cross section diagram 500 of in-ground detector 50
(i.e., a vehicle presence detector) of the preferred embodiment.
In-ground detector 50 is located in a cavity in the pavement of its
corresponding parking space 12. Preferably, the cavity is defined
by a canister 57 having a removable cap 51 that is substantially
flush with the surface of pavement 56. The in-ground detector 50
may also be located within a container 52. Such a configuration
allows greater protection of in-ground unit 50 during storage,
transport, and location within canister 57, and facilitates removal
of in-ground unit 50 (while remaining within container 52) for
maintenance and replacement.
In-ground unit 50 includes an antenna 53 that facilitates
communication with transponder 20 and meter monitor device 40, as
previously described. In this embodiment, the vehicle sensing
mechanism is a magnetic sensing unit 54 that, through its magnetic
field, detects the presence of a vehicle above. With such a
magnetic sensing unit 54, it is important that container 52,
canister 57 and cap 51 do not perturb or interfere with (e.g.,
shield) the magnetic field interaction between a vehicle above and
magnetic sensing unit 54. A group of electronics 55, including a
microprocessor and associated memory, carry out the aforementioned
functionality of in-ground detector 50, such as the generation,
transmission, reception and processing of messages exchanged with
transponder 20 and meter monitor device 40. In-ground unit 50, is a
relatively low power device that may be powered by any of a number
of known battery types, such as a battery. Alternatively, power
could be provided to container 57, canister 52, or electronics 55
via an in-ground AC or DC source.
FIG. 6 shows a parking meter 65 configured with a meter transceiver
60, in accordance with the present invention. Preferably, meter
transceiver 60 is configured to fit within a standard meter housing
or to couple thereto. Meter transceiver 60 includes a transmitter
61, receiver 62, and microprocessor 63 that are driven, preferably,
by a battery power source 64. Transmitter 61 and receiver 62
provide a communications interface with transponder 20, as
previously discussed. For example, meter transceiver 60
communicates an authorization signal to central computer system 30
via transponder 20 in response to coin inputs at the meter. In
various embodiments, transmitter 61 and receiver 62 may also, or
alternatively, be configured to communicate with in-ground unit 50,
meter monitor device 40, and/or portable transponder 10.
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. For
example, the various components may be implemented in private
parking garages to ensure proper parking and facilitate payment of
associated parking, or garage entrance, fees. The present
embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being
indicated by appending claims rather than by the foregoing
description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range
of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced
therein.
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